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Is Ken Barlow Soap's Most Tragic and Complex Character?


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Old 04-02-2011, 22:23
Vivadiva
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Ken Barlow has always been labelled as 'boring' and 'dull' by critics and fans alike, coming to represent a certain type of man: happy to read the newspaper, do a crossword and have an early night.

But I feel that Ken is actually far more complex and tragic than this. The label of boring is intentional I feel. Just look at his life: so much promise when he was young, first in his family to go to university, creating a rather superior and arrogant young man.

And now, here he is, on the same street. He is trapped, yet when the chance arises, with Martha, to have a life of intellectual stimumulation with an equal, and travel the world, he backs down.

I adore the character of Ken, and the idea of it all. It is soap's most hidden and gentle, yet ultimately devastating, portrayal of life. It's also something that I feel only Corrie could pull off (don't shoot me!).

Sorry to go on a bit, would love to hear other people's opinions.
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Old 04-02-2011, 23:16
Vivadiva
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Bump!
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Old 04-02-2011, 23:21
rayofsunshine
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This title I'm sure will make Ken even more frustrated. I imagine he just wishes he could do something.
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Old 05-02-2011, 00:04
masterquan
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Yep agree. And don't think he's a terrible actor like so many here like to repeat. He brings an integrity and warmth to the character. I like his passion for learning. He isn't snobby. His idealism is nice.
And how can he be labelled boring. He's characater is quite funny and colourful. Mostly mild mannered, studious, fist fighting repeat adulterer and trolley pusher
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Old 05-02-2011, 00:23
Damon Grant
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Yep agree. And don't think he's a terrible actor like so many here like to repeat. He brings an integrity and warmth to the character. I like his passion for learning. He isn't snobby. His idealism is nice.
And how can he be labelled boring. He's characater is quite funny and colourful. Mostly mild mannered, studious, fist fighting repeat adulterer and trolley pusher
Here here so well said
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Old 05-02-2011, 00:34
tenchgirl
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Hes ashamed of his roots and is always chasing something better, resents dreary and feels trapped, I think he would be quite happy living on his own tug boat. God knows what keeps him & dreary together they have nothing in common its just a hard habit these days.
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Old 05-02-2011, 00:37
JarkdeLuxe
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This title I'm sure will make Ken even more frustrated. I imagine he just wishes he could do something.
Post. Of. The day.
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Old 05-02-2011, 12:37
LilAngel
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This title I'm sure will make Ken even more frustrated. I imagine he just wishes he could do something.
These seem to be thrown around a lot I don't think I've ever seen either of them said on screen, but they appear to be very popular quotes! When did Ken say them? Any Youtube clips available?
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Old 05-02-2011, 12:43
SweetLikeSugar
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I think it was during tram week, when Peter was trapped. I'll try and get a link though.
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Old 05-02-2011, 12:45
callumfreeman
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These seem to be thrown around a lot I don't think I've ever seen either of them said on screen, but they appear to be very popular quotes! When did Ken say them? Any Youtube clips available?
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s....php?t=1433278

Go to 7:45
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Old 05-02-2011, 12:59
KornerKabin
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Wait.
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Old 05-02-2011, 13:00
KornerKabin
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Get. Back.
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Old 05-02-2011, 13:24
kerry1681
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My favorite one is

'Peter's in there' BAFTA for Barlow please.

that one and Ken being so 'frustrated at not being able to do anything' while stood there like a plank, are now Classics in my eyes and are always going to be brought up.

There is also another moment in the live episode. Peter is dying, like at deaths door. He wants to marry Leanne. Ken's stood there going 'Can it be done in time' like proper having a normal monotone conversation that could be about anything. Cheers dad for all your emotional concern.
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Old 05-02-2011, 13:33
SULLA
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Basically, Ken is a good man who occasionally makes mistakes. Like most of us, he is human and a bit fallible.

He has had to make choices. Basically, he would like to wash his hands of Tracy but he can't do it and be with Dierdre.
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Old 05-02-2011, 13:36
chessie__x
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Ken is ok, he's just not had any interesting storylines in a while
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Old 05-02-2011, 13:38
MARTYM8
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Not really anymore - Ronnie from Eastenders is far more complex and tragic now. Ken seems a bit predictable (same story lines every 5 years - him or Deirdre have an affair, they row, then get back together again).
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Old 05-02-2011, 14:37
ayrshire lass
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I always wondered why Deirdre and Ken never had children, instead he's had had to bring up her horrendous daughter. Also, I 've always found it hard to believe that Peter is his son, they look so different in colouring with Peter being so dark.
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Old 05-02-2011, 15:16
blazingfire
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I loved the quote he said a few weeks ago. It was to Deirdre, it was something about "and if sarcasm = honesty, then oh what a pitiful world we live in...."

I was like
Such a teacher quote
If anyone knows what episode that was from, please let me know!
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Old 05-02-2011, 18:27
BadRomance
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I think Ken has had quite a content life compared to most soap characters I can think of far more tragic and complex....Kat Moon, Sally Fletcher, Ronnie Mitchell etc.
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Old 05-02-2011, 18:35
rossyrahrah
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Ken has always believed he was destined for something better but lacked the courage to reach out and try for it, time and time again.

Given the stage of his life that he's now at, that's actually rather sad, in the true sense of the word. Sad, but hardly tragic. I suspect many people live a life of unfulfilled potential.
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Old 05-02-2011, 23:05
Promise This
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Anybody who thinks Ken's boring doesn't know the history of the character, when he gets angry he let's rip and that's when he shines.
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Old 06-02-2011, 00:04
CharityDingle
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I agree with the OP. I think Ken slightly echoes Bill Roache's life in a way. He wanted to be a film star but got settled into Corrie. He wanted to leave several times but ended up staying. I think he now embraces the show and is comfortable with it, but I don't think that's always been the case.

Nowadays his acting is a bit of a joke, but I think he can't be bothered now. In his own storylines he's always been very good, esp. in vintage Corrie.
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